After a masterful 4-0 win over the Florida Panthers on Saturday, the Montreal Canadiens kept the momentum going in Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Habs, who are playing their best hockey of the season, outshot the Lightning 36-22 in posting a 5-2 win.
Wilde Horses
The Canadiens had the worst second line in the league three weeks ago, and it wasn’t even close. They were dominated in goal differential to such a degree, that just about the entire -30 goal differential the Canadiens had was on that one line.
This weekend, we may have seen the emergence of a much more competitive and even respectful second line. Kirby Dach was a -21 three weeks ago. He remains at that total, so that is a significant improvement – stabilizing rather than continuing to decline.
All season long, the second line had only nine goals before the arrival of Patrik Laine. Since then, they’ve more than doubled the total in the last 12 games. Laine is making the entire line look good. Dach scored twice against the Panthers on Saturday, and Alex Newhook got his first two assists of the season. Laine was instrumental in both goals.
Against Tampa, the line was strong again, opening the scoring. Laine is a moose to take off the puck in the offensive zone and often pulls in an extra defender to handle him. That led to Mike Matheson finding a wide-open Newhook who ripped a one-timer into the top corner.
The move to acquire Alexandre Carrier has also had a knock-on effect. Carrier’s arrival has allowed Kaiden Guhle to play on his left side where he is more comfortable. They are an outstanding pairing with great chemistry. They partnered on the second Montreal goal, setting up Christian Dvorak.
